Living The Dream recognizes Topeka leaders that continue Dr. King's legacy

Several Topeka leaders who have carried on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. were recognized on Friday.

"We've certainly came along way since Dr. King and we're certainly closer to living the dream," Dean of Washburn University School of Law, Carla Pratt said.

Living the Dream aims to honor those who emulate Dr. King's work at their annual Community Leadership and Recognition luncheon.

"We try to recognize and honor some of our leadership that contribute to our banquet, to our luncheon, and some of our other events," Chairperson of Living the Dream Inc., Cindy White explained.

Fellowship Bible Church received the organization award and Cody Foster received the individual award.

"As we celebrate the king holiday, we just want to remind all our Topekans to make sure they do something of service," White said.

Carla Pratt was the keynote speaker for the event, and Pratt says living out Dr. Kings dream is to not be quiet about things that matter, "we need to speak out when we see injustice and speak in favor of systems and programs and law changes that will achieve equality for everyone."

Pratt suggested one way people can take action.

"The number one thing we can do is vote. to many people struggled and died for the right to vote for women, so to another that struggle we need to get out and vote," Pratt explained. "Another thing that we can do to use our voices and not be silent is stand up and be counted during the census process."

The luncheon also recognized people who have participated in all the living the dream events.

"We want to touch upon a variety of diverse groups, so we reach out to preschoolers, as well as elementary students, high school students and middle school students and then senior citizens. we want to transform our community to help people understand that Dr. King's dream affected everyone," White said.

Living the Dream week continues with a scholarship dinner Saturday night. On Monday, The Topeka Center for Peace and Justice holds its annual community soup supper and MLK celebration. The event starts at 6:30pm, at El Shaddai Church. For full list of events,